Engineering Science-Engineering Career Choice

AI Thread Summary
Confusion about major and career path is common among college students, especially when interests span multiple fields like physics, chemistry, and various engineering disciplines. The individual expresses uncertainty about whether they are more suited for theoretical science or practical engineering, noting enjoyment in theoretical concepts but a lack of skills in practical design and construction. Currently majoring in mechanical engineering for its broad applicability, they seek direction and specific career goals. Engaging with professionals in fields of interest is recommended as a way to gain insights and assess suitability for various jobs. This approach can help narrow down options and clarify career aspirations.
Huffo35
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
I'm about to start my second year of college, and I'm very conflicted and confused about I want my major and career path to be. This is partly because I'm interested in multiple fields (physics, chemistry, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, I could keep going) and partly because my personality and skills aren't clearly suited for one particular field. When I try to analyze whether I would enjoy engineering or science more, I run into a problem: it's not clear whether I'm more theoretically-minded or practically-minded. I look at the fact that I really enjoy the theory I'm learning in physics and calculus classes, but then I realize that in order to understand this theory, I'm always thinking in real-world, practical examples. This makes it seem to me like I would enjoy engineering. However, I then look at the the fact that I am uninterested in (and poorly-skilled at) practical design. I've never really built things, worked on a car, etc., and in a Rube Goldberg-type project I did in high school, I felt lost for the most part. This all makes me confused as to whether engineering or science is better for me. Currently, I'm majoring in mechanical engineering, since it's very broad and leaves me with a lot of options. However, I still feel uneasy without direction and specific career goals. I was wondering if any of you have been in a situation like this and, if so, how did you find out what was right for you? Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Write down a list of jobs that you are interested in.

Then speak to people who are working or had worked in these jobs. Ask them questions to know more about the job and whether you are suitable or not.

If you realize you are not interested, then move on to another job in your list. Repeat this process until you have narrowed down your options.
 
I don't know if anyone on here works for any of the well known defense companies of your country, whichever country you are from?? Also, if you choose to work in one, do you think the engineering education provide from your school would adequately prepare you for the job. What do I mean by that? Well if you work at say Lockheed Martin and you work in the latest iteration of a missile or if you work at Pratt & Whitney, they assign you to work in the team helping out with building the jet...
Hello, I graduated from undergrad a few years ago with a Major in Physics and minor in Electrical Engineering. I tried to get experience working on and testing circuits through my professor who studied Neutrinos, however covid caused the opportunity to go away and I graduated with no experience or internships. I have attempted to break into the engineering industry with no success. Right now I am considering going for a Masters in Electrical Engineering and I need advice on if this would be...
So lately, my interest in the realm of optics/optoelectronics/photonics engineering has grown and I have started to seriously consider pursuing a career in the field. I have done a bit of career research and also have done some learning on the side to gather more knowledge on these topics. However, I have some questions on what a career in these fields would look like, and I wanted to find out more about this area to know what I would be getting myself into if I did make the choice to pursue...

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
173
Replies
9
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
18
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
19
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
4K
Replies
9
Views
1K
Back
Top